Walking in Holy Expectation

🔥 IGNITE May 2026

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think…” Ephesians 3:20a (ESV)

Forty Years, One Faithful God

Two weeks before leaving on our 40^th honeymoon getaway to Boston, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard, my beautiful sweetheart, Nancy—our family weather expert—looked at the forecasts and delivered the news: “Lots of rain. Very little sun.” I smiled and replied, “Let’s walk in holy expectation and trust God to change the weather.” And He did!

Out of nine glorious days, we experienced only one day of rain! It was a gentle reminder that when we walk in holy expectation, we can also begin looking for the fingerprints of God everywhere, eagerly anticipating His goodness, purposes, and divine appointments.

Forty years together, and still discovering new adventures with God!

 

Divine Appointment #1 — Lunch in Boston & Exceeding Expectations

Our first day in Boston was bright, clear, and beautiful. We wandered into Gordon Ramsay’s Burger restaurant and immediately noticed a young manager named Cameron. He radiated joy, and when you see something beautiful in someone, tell them. So, I did!

“Cameron, you have one of the most positive attitudes I’ve seen in a long time.” As we prepared to leave, Cameron returned with the check and quietly said: “I heard you’re celebrating your 40^th Anniversary; lunch is on us. Just take care of your waitress!”

What a gift! Yet, God wasn’t finished. As Nancy and I lingered, I noticed a gentleman reading a newspaper at the bar. A newspaper! In today’s world, that almost qualifies as a museum exhibit. So, I walked over and said, “Sir, I just want to thank you for reading a newspaper.” And that simple comment opened an extraordinary conversation.

He turned out to be a Canadian entrepreneur involved in real estate investments, including seven projects in South Africa! What are the odds? Before long, he was telling us about Boston’s famous North End and a remarkable restaurateur named Frank DePasquale, who owned seven restaurants in Little Italy. Then he smiled and said, “You might even meet Frank!”

So, I concluded 100% that God intended that meeting. And holy expectation suddenly moved into overdrive.

 

Divine Appointment #2 — The Whales!

The next day, we boarded the first whale-watch cruise of the season. People were saying, “You probably won’t see much.” So, Nancy and I prayed, “Lord, bring the whales.” And He did!

Five humpbacks, five calves, and a captain who said seeing them happens on only about 10% of their cruises!

 

We watched the humpback whales rise from the sea in slow motion. In amazement, their massive tails lifted skyward as spray sparkled in the sunlight.

Over the next ninety minutes, we saw:

• Multiple humpback whales
• Several groups traveling together
• Five baby whales

 

Finally, the captain came over the loudspeaker and said, “What you’ve seen today happens on only about ten percent of our cruises—and never on the first cruise of the season. You are very lucky people.” I quietly whispered, “We are blessed people of God.”

 

Divine Appointment #3 — Holy Expectation Came to Little Italy!

Back at the docks, I said, “Sweetheart, let’s walk up to Little Italy and see if we can find one of Frank DePasquale’s restaurants.” So, we arrived just as one restaurant was opening. And as always, we greeted the hosts and staff with gratitude. Standing behind them was a young man who suddenly asked, “Are you from South Africa?” Now, that doesn’t happen very often in Boston!

His name was Mason Lafferty, and at only 27, he was the General Manager overseeing operations for the DePasquale restaurant group. Within minutes, we were deep in conversation. Then he said, “If you’ve got some time, I’d love to show you around.”

For the next hour and a half, Mason personally walked us through the restaurants, bakeries, pasta-making facilities, and businesses that make up the DePasquale family enterprise. What a remarkable young man!

Mason Lafferty and my bride, Nancy: One conversation. One act of kindness. One life touched by God.

 

Meeting Frank DePasquale!

As we reached the top of the street, Mason casually asked, “Would you like to meet Frank?” Would we?!

Of course! Frank was sitting outside his office near his gelato shop, greeting people as he often does.

We spent time talking with him, thanking him for the culture he had built, and for the kindness we had experienced through Mason and his team.

Then I asked, “Frank, what’s one thing we can pray now for?” Frank shared his heart. As a devoted Catholic and generous community leader, he expressed his desire that God would touch people through his life, his staff, and his businesses. So, we prayed. Then, the presence of God settled upon us. Then, Frank said, “This has never happened to me before. Thank you for praying.”

Beyond Expectation! Fun photo collage with Mason and Frank at Bricco’s in Little Italy!

 

Divine Appointment #4 — Tears in the Street

Later, Mason shared that he was in a season of transition. He had worked tirelessly for six years and was sensing God stirring something new. With that, Nancy and I simply prayed, quietly and gently, with our whole hearts.

As we prayed for Mason, his family, and his future, tears began rolling down his cheeks. And later that very day, Mason sent us this testimony via text:

Mason’s Messages (Verbatim)

“I have no words for the interaction I had with you both today, it filled my soul and heart more full than I have felt in a long time. I am truly touched beyond words and was moved to tears again after you both left. I will watch this video tomorrow morning with my coffee. Thank you so, so, so much. I will check in on your experience tomorrow also.” ❤️

The following day, he wrote again:

“Hi, Colin and Nancy, I extensively watched every video on the page you sent me. Took time today to just sit and listen to nature after, and let the words digest. I look forward to reading Waiting on God.”

 

What Holy Expectation Looks Like!

Holy expectation isn’t merely believing God for good weather. It’s believing that He’s already at work before you arrive because He controls the weather. It’s also expecting divine appointments and meetings because you sense the Holy Spirit guiding and ordering your steps! Furthermore, holy expectation is noticing people that others may overlook. And seeing how a simple conversation, a prayer on a sidewalk, or a word of encouragement can become a doorway into someone’s heart.

Lastly, holy expectation is reuniting with dear friends whom you haven’t seen in 40 years at your new favorite restaurant, helping celebrate your 40^th Anniversary!

Our 40-year reunion and dinner with friends, Sue and David, at Bricco’s!

 

For nine days, we watched God weave together weather, whales, waiters, restaurateurs, old friends, and complete strangers into a tapestry only He could design! And once again, He reminded us: When we walk in holy expectation, we often discover that God has been waiting for us just around the corner.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.”
Jeremiah 17:7 (ESV)

 

With gratitude and expectation,

Colin & Nancy Millar  🔥🙏
Igniting Prayer Action